House MN

‘Innovative approach’ proposed for teacher shortage situation

Rep. Sondra Erickson, chair of the House Education Innovation Policy Committee, listens to a witness testify on her bill, HF1663, which would, in part, modify alternative teacher preparation and compensation programs. Photo by Paul Battaglia

Facing a nationwide teacher shortage, a proposal would make multiple changes to teacher preparation, compensation and loan forgiveness programs in an effort to increase the supply of educators in Minnesota.

“We must do more to recruit, prepare and retain teachers for the education force of tomorrow,” Denise Dittrich, associate director of government relations for the Minnesota School Boards Association told the House Education Innovation Policy Committee Thursday.

HF1663, sponsored by committee chair Rep. Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton), is a compilation of multiple ideas that have been brought before the committee throughout the session.

Approved by the committee, it now heads to the House Government Operations and Elections Policy Committee. Its companion,
SF1725, sponsored by Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), awaits action by the Senate E-12 Policy Committee.

The bill would alter the alternative teacher compensation program from the current formula of both state aid and levy revenue to only state aid. The adjustment would afford districts flexibility when implementing teacher development and evaluation programs. Teacher preparation programs, including concurrent enrollment programs, would see reduced requirements for both eligible candidates and grant disbursements.

Aimed at increasing affordability, it would also alter the teacher loan shortage forgiveness program by expanding eligibility for teachers of color and to economic regions where shortages exist. Reporting requirements would also expand to include the ethnicity of those participating in the program.

“Maintaining Minnesota’s quality of life will require a well-educated workforce, and that workforce depends on effective schools and effective teachers,” said Dr. Katie Maguire, superintendent of Osseo Area Schools.

The bill would also create a teacher shortage advisory task force to provide recommendations regarding current teacher shortage data, factors that affect supply and demand, and changes to existing laws and policies. It would expire Jan. 16, 2020.

By Jonathan MohrThe framework for the 2019 legislative session took shape Wednesday as House DFL leaders announced the committee structure, chairs and the schedule lawmakers will follow when they reconvene Jan. 8, 2019.November 21, 2018

By Ricky Campbell
At the beginning of the state’s two-year fiscal cycle, the first year of the legislative session is traditionally a “budget year.” It’s a lengthy process, but it’s one that requ...March 29, 2017